A loud, persistent knock shattered the fragile stillness of the room.
Anna stirred, her eyelids fluttering open, heart pounding from being yanked out of an uneasy sleep. Disoriented, her eyes adjusted to the dim light filtering through the curtains. She turned her head, gaze landing on the couch.
Jaden was still there, his arm draped over his stomach, chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. His face was relaxed, stripped of the cold mask he had worn the night before. Vulnerable. Almost peaceful.
Another knock came—firmer this time.
Anna sat up abruptly, her heart leaping into her throat as recognition washed over her.
That voice.
Jaden’s mother.
Her breath caught in her throat, and she scrambled up in bed, heart racing. Her fingers clutched the sheets as she whispered harshly,
